VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Air Force: Apprentices

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 27 October 2025UIN 83078

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question 44144 on Armed Forces: Training, what steps his Department has taken to improve the Royal Air Force Apprenticeship programme’s Ofsted rating.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones

The RAF is committed to continuous improvement and has identified several measures to build on the Good Ofsted rating awarded to the Royal Air Force Apprenticeship programme last year.

  • Ten Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) positions have been established to assist Apprenticeship Centres with ensuring the apprentice’s journey continues to meet Ofsted’s requirement.
  • A further 30 FTRS positions are to be established at operational units to provide support, advice and guidance in the completion of apprenticeships.
  • Apprenticeship Management Groups have been introduced to engage all stakeholders, alongside the development of an apprenticeship webpage including unit-based apprenticeship points of contact.
  • An Apprentice Handbook will be introduced to cover the latest guidance, practical tips and signposting to internal and external support organisations.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim